Ryan Bang reveals he received offers from South Korea's SM Entertainment
Ryan Bang's wit and charm have captivated not only the "madlang people" of It's Showtime, but more so, SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man.
In his interview with ABS-CBN executive Lauren Dyogi, the TV host opened up about receiving opportunities in starting a career in his homeland in South Korea.
"Nung close kami ni Ate Dara (Sandara Park), kinausap [ako] dati [nung] company niya, kinukuha sa akin five years training tapos na-meet ko 'yung Lee Soo-man, 'yung pinaka-head ng SM. Gusto talaga nila ako 100% doon,” Ryan recalled.
“Nagpunta pa ako SM Town, nag-one-on-one interview pa kami. Interested talaga sila. Mayroon kasi sila SM ENT. SM kasi K-pop 'yon, SM ENT 'yun 'yung parang pang-TV, pang-komedyante, pang-host,” he continued. However, given its “strict” conditions, the It’s Showtime host decided to turn down the offer to stay in the Philippines.
“So parang wala pa sa puso ko na i-grab ko ang chance ng SM. Sabi ng mga magulang ko naman noong nasa Korea pa ako, bahala ka desisyon mo 'yan,” he said, sharing how his “makulit” attitude would be not be fitting for the strict rules of the K-ent industry.
"Parang nagdalawang isip ako. Kasi 'yun ang offer naman nila talaga bawal ako pumunta ng Philippines, kailangan bawat galaw ko bawal, sobrang kulit talaga ako,” he said.
“Sa Korea grabe, mahigpit parang walang freedom. E grabe ang ugali ko, ang personality ko ay parang Pilipino na talaga, so nag-decide na ako na mag-stay dito,” he continued.
Despite turning down the offer, Ryan was still able to guest appear on various Korean TV projects, like in a documentary, travel shows, and variety shows like Infinity Challenge and recently, Running Man where he served as Manny Pacquiao’s translator.
“Pero dahil doon ay nagge-guest ako sa iba-ibang show. Nag-translator ako kay Sen. Pacquiao sa Infinity Challenge. Nag-guest ako sa mga documentary, nagge-guest ako sa mga travel shows," he shared.
Additionally, Ryan revealed that he is still receiving and open to accepting offers, but for roles in Korean dramas.
"Ngayon nag-o-offer sa akin ng mga teleserye, mga sidekick. Hindi ako nagpaalam sa iyo, kaya ako nag-braces. Kasi gusto ng mga director doon ay perfect ang ngipin bago ako magsalang sa mga movie nila. May kinukuha sa akin na movie, teleserye, eh nag-pandemic bigla. So 'yung mga ganoon tatanggapin ko na Direk," he said, to which Dyogi said that he’s excited to see Ryan in a k-drama.
"Guest guest lang, pero gusto ko talaga nakatira dito," Ryan said.
Ryan started his career in the Philippines after placing as runner-up in the Philippine reality show Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash in 2010. Since then, he has been a part of the comedy shows Banana Split and 3ow Powhz!, and films Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy, Seven Sundays, and Love Is Color Blind. He is also a regular host on the noontime show It’s Showtime since 2012.